Story of Sundar Narayan Temple in Nashik – Vishnu was cursed by Vrinda

Sundar Narayan Temple in Nashik is situated at the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar Bridge near Ramkund, This is an ancient shrine famous for its antiquity, holiness, architecture, intricate carvings, sculptures and unique event of sunrays falling in the sanctum sanctorum. The story of Sundarnarayan Mandir is associated with Vrinda (Tulsi Plant) cursing Vishnu.

Vrinda was the wife of demon king Jalandhar. He had got a boon from Shiva that he would be invincible as long as his wife was chaste. The character of Jalandhar turned upside down after getting the boon. He became cruel, evil and vicious and harassed all the living beings in the universe.

Adharma prospered and now it was the duty of Vishnu to protect Dharma.

Once, when Jalandhar was on a mission, Vishnu took the form of the demon king and copulated with Vrinda.

Chastity of Vrinda was broken and soon her husband was killed by the Devas.

When Vrinda Devi came to know about the treachery, she cursed Vishnu to become deformed and ugly.

To get back His form, Vishnu took bath in the Godavari River.

He became handsome and beautiful again and it is believed that this happened at the spot where the Sundar Narayan Temple is located. ‘Sundar’ means beautiful.

Sundar Narayan Temple
The temple faces east and it is designed in such a way that the rays of sun falls on March 20 or 21 at the feet of the murtis in the sanctum sanctorum.

The murtis worshiped in the sanctum sanctorum are Narayana, Lakshmi, and Vrinda. Garuda is seen in front of the murtis in the sanctum – guarding them.

The architecture of the temple is impressive. Intricate carvings and sculptures are noteworthy.